From anxiety and burnout to identity crises and the pressure to “make it,” young people studying at home and abroad are navigating a mental minefield. But what if you’re not alone—and there are solutions?
Join us for a powerful new episode exploring the real mental health challenges university students face today—and the cultural, academic, and emotional pressure that fuels them.
Led by Ogweno Stephen—renowned Kenyan public health expert and founder of Stowelink Foundation—this interactive session blends personal stories, expert insight, and global strategies to support student well-being.
What you’ll learn:
- Common mental health struggles among students, including anxiety, depression, and burnout—and how to cope.
- How identity, societal pressure, and cultural expectations shape student experiences locally and abroad.
- Practical tools, African and non-African wellness practices, and solutions to support mental well-being.
This episode is for young minds—university students, fresh graduates, and early-career professionals—who are navigating the twists of life, learning, and identity while trying to find their place and purpose in an ever-changing world.
The Speaker:
Stephen Ogweno
Founder, Stowelink Foundation/ Lifesten Health
Stephen Ogweno is a globally recognized Kenyan health advocate, public health innovator, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) specialist. He holds a BSc in Population Health from Kenyatta University, an Executive Education certificate on Sustainability in leadership and business from the University of Cambridge, Institute of Sustainability Leadership and an MPH (Global Health) from the University of Manchester, supported by a Commonwealth scholarship.
In 2016, driven by personal experience with childhood obesity, Ogweno founded the Stowelink Foundation, pioneering community-centered NCD interventions across 10 African countries. Notable initiatives include the MyHeart KE school program, the Mental Health Matters project, a 6-country 2-year-long mental health campaign, the NCDs 365 digital campaign, and youth engagement through poetry and sports for health education. Under his leadership, these efforts reached over 10 million people, resulted in peer-reviewed mHealth publications, and earned multiple awards, including his recognition as Top 100 Youth in Africa in 2020 and Top 35 Under 35 Youth in Kenya in 2022.
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
Health Innovation as a Pathway to Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Join the next HiAS as Dr. Robert Karanja explores how talent, research, investment, policy, and partnerships can unlock Africa’s potential in digital health, biotechnology, and deep-tech innovation.
Apply for Research Seed Grants from Moi University and the University of Toronto
Apply for the Research Seed Grants by Moi University and the University of Toronto. Eligible researchers can receive up to CAD $5,000 in seed funding to strengthen research capacity, generate new knowledge, and foster long-term institutional collaborations.
Ubuntu Rising: A Youth Leadership Summit for Africa’s Health Future
Ahead of the 18th World Congress on Public Health, Ubuntu Rising will bring together young African health leaders, innovators, and changemakers to co-create a shared agenda for youth leadership, employment, and innovation in health across the continent.
Young Leaders Redefining What Health Work in Africa Means
This International Youth Day, read about how the AHC’s young leaders are challenging traditional ideas and reimagining health work, strengthening health systems, and building the future of healthcare across Africa.
Associate Director, AHC Programs
Apply for this senior leadership role with the Africa Health Collaborative (AHC) to lead regional programs, strengthen partnerships, and advance health leadership, education, and innovation across Africa.
Turning Research into Policies that Improve Health and Wellbeing
Join Dr. Collins Okoyo, Principal Statistician at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), as he shares practical lessons on bridging the gap between research and policy, drawing on over a decade of experience in health data science, epidemiology, and disease modelling.
Addis Ababa University and Moi University Formalize Partnership to Advance Africa’s Health Workforce
Addis Ababa University and Moi University have signed a Memorandum of Agreement under the Africa Health Collaborative, establishing a strategic partnership to strengthen health education, research, innovation, and workforce development. The collaboration will create new opportunities for students, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs across Africa.
Building Bridges for Safer Births: How Funmi Odushola connects trusted community caregivers with formal healthcare in Nigeria
Safe childbirth often depends on more than access to a health facility—it depends on trust. In Nigeria, Funmi Odushola is helping build bridges between traditional community caregivers and the formal health system to support healthier pregnancies and safer births.
Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening 2026: Unlocking Africa Through Youth-led Health Innovation
The 2026 Annual Convening will spotlight Africa’s greatest strength—its young people, bringing together young innovators, health leaders, universities, governments, and ecosystem catalysts to explore practical solutions to Africa’s PHC challenges.
From Nurse to Changemaker: Betty Etornam Yibor’s Mission to Keep Girls in School
Read about how Betty Etornam Yibor is combining healthcare, advocacy, and social impact to improve the lives of girls and communities across Ghana.